. >>> a big story, the shocking news from the vatican, pope benedict xvi made a surprise announcement he's resigning, something that hasn't been done in more than half a millennium. the pope says he no belonger has the strength of mind and body -- no longer has the strength of mind and body to perform his papal duties. a new pope should be elected in time for easter. the last pope to resign was celestine the v in 1294. fox 5's bob barnard has the latest on the state of the catholic church. >> i see this as a remarkable demonstration of his humility. >> i don't believe that the catholic church is going to select anybody very different. >> it's t knocked my socks off. >> reporter: there's all kinds -- it knocked my socks on. >> reporter: there's all kinds of reaction today to the resignation of pope benedict xvi. >> it's sad. we'll miss him. >> reporter: monsignor solomon smith is a pastor in silver spring and credits the pope with dealing with the child sex abuse scandal head on. >> you get to my generation of priests, we've taken it seriously since the beginning when we first entered